I arrive at Mooncrest University with one bag, one lie, and enough suppressants to burn my skin raw.

The gates close behind me with a deep metal sound. Heavy. Final. Like a warning meant only for me.

I stop for half a second and breathe.

Don’t panic. Don’t react. Don’t let them smell you.

The air here is thick with power. Alpha territory. Alpha rules. Alpha eyes are already watching.

A group of students stands near the entrance, laughing too loud, voices sharp with confidence. They stop when they see me. Their smiles fade. Their eyes drop to my wrist band.

Gray.

Omega.

The whispers come fast. Not even quiet.

“An omega?”

“She doesn’t belong here.”

“Is this a mistake?”

“Who let her in?”

My fingers tighten around the strap of my bag. I keep walking. Head down. Steps steady.

If I look at them, they win.

Someone laughs behind me. Another voice clicks their tongue.

Mooncrest University. The place where only the strongest packs send their heirs. Royals. Future leaders. And somehow, me.

“Hey! You’re my roommate, right?”

I stop because the voice is too close and too cheerful. I turn slowly.

A girl with pale hair pulled into a messy braid grins at me like we’ve known each other for years. Her eyes are bright. Curious. Too open for a place like this.

“I’m Selene,” she says. “You’re April, yeah?”

I nod once.

She falls into step beside me without asking. “I thought they messed up my assignment. I mean…no offense. It’s just rare, you know?”

“I know.”

She keeps talking anyway. About the dorms. The classes. The cafeteria food. The parties are already planned for tonight. The alphas.

Always the alphas.

“So what pack are you from?” she asks casually.

“I’m not.”

She blinks. Slows her steps. “Oh. That’s… rare.”

I don’t answer.

She glances at my wrist again, then leans closer. Too close. “What about your scent? It’s weird. I mean…not bad weird. Just….”

“I’m tired,” I cut in.

She laughs, holding up her hands. “Right. First day nerves. I talk too much when I’m nervous.”

We reach the dorm building. It’s tall. Stone walls. Old magic humming under the surface. I feel it brush my skin and recoil.

My room is small. Two beds. Two desks. One narrow window that overlooks the training grounds.

I choose the bed farthest from the door.

I unpack fast. Clothes folded. Books stacked. I keep my suppressants in my pocket. Always. My skin itches where the patch touches my side.

Selene sits on her bed and watches me like I’m a puzzle she’s already trying to solve.

“So,” she says, swinging her legs. “Mooncrest isn’t easy for omegas.”

“I know.”

“Alphas here don’t play nice.”

“I know.”

She tilts her head. “You don’t talk much.”

“I’m here to study.”

She smiles like that’s funny. “Good luck with that.”

The bell rings across campus. Loud. Sharp. My heart jumps.

Our first lecture starts in ten minutes.

The lecture hall is already packed when we arrive. Voices echo. Scents clash. Alpha dominance presses down on me from all sides.

I chose a seat near the back. Corner. Easy exit.

The professor starts talking. His voice is dull, steady. I focus on it. I breathe slowly. Count my heartbeats.

One. Two. Three.

Then the door opens.

Everything stops.

Four men walk in late, and the room changes. No noise. Not movement. Pressure.

Power rolls through the hall like a wave.

One goes straight to the front. Tall. Broad shoulders. Dark eyes that don’t bother scanning the room. He doesn’t need to.

Jodan.

I know his name without being told. Everyone does.

Another leans against the wall, arms crossed. Muscles tight. Jaw clenched. His eyes move like he’s daring someone to challenge him.

Riven.

The third walks in smiling, confident, relaxed. Like the world bends to him willingly. He glances around as if this is all entertainment.

Lucien.

The last one pauses.

Just for a second.

His gaze finds me.

It feels like being seen through skin and bone. Like he notices the lie before I speak it.

Eryx.

My stomach twists hard.

Selene whispers, “You’re shaking.”

“I’m fine.”

Jodan takes his seat. The professor clears his throat and continues like nothing happened, voice rushed now.

Lucien turns in his chair. His eyes catch mine. He smiles wider, slow and deliberate.

I look away.

Riven sniffs the air.

His head snaps toward me. His eyes narrow.

My suppressants burn. Heat flares under my skin. I press my arm tight against my side.

Eryx frowns slightly. Like he feels it too. Like something is wrong and he can’t place it.

Jodan finally turns.

His gaze hits me full on.

The room feels too small. Too tight. Like the walls are closing in.

He stands.

Every instinct in me screams run.

He walks closer. Each step is measured. Controlled. Powerful. Conversations die around us. Chairs creak as students shift.

I grip my bag so hard my fingers hurt.

“Professor,” he says calmly. “May I ask a question?”

The professor nods too fast, sweat shining on his forehead.

Jodan’s eyes never leave me.

“Why,” he says quietly, “does an omega smell like the moon?”